Fly the Jalur Gemilang to show your patriotism

 The Selangor National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) launched the “Fly the Jalur Gamilang” campaign in conjunction with the coming 54^th Merdeka recently at Puchong Utama Court 2, Taman Puchong Utama, Puchong.

In conjunction with the launch, a Buka Puasa or breaking-of-the-fast dinner was held at the venue as it was the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The campaign was officially launched by Minister in the Prime Minister Department Senator Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon who was given a rousing welcome by a kompang troupe upon his arrival.

“The Fly Jalur Gemilang campaign launch is one of the activities by the National Unity and Integration Department which work together with other departments such as the Information Department to raise and create the spirit of patriotism and to show your love for the country,” said Tan Sri Dr Koh.

During the launch, the Jalur Gemilang flags of various sizes were symbolically handed over to JPNIN officers from the districts level in the state. These flags will be distributed to the Rukun Tetanggas in their areas.

On the Rukun Tetangga (RT) scheme, he said, “I want to thank the Rukun Tetangga of Rumah Pangsa Puchong Utama Court 2 because ever since its inception on 18^th July, 2008, exactly three years and one month ago, it is one of the most active RTs in the state in carrying out various community programmes such as the Skim Rondaan Sukarela (SRS) or Voluntary Patrol Scheme. This reflects the spirit of neighbourliness and exemplifies the leadership style of its chairman Babul Abbas.

According to Tan Sri Dr Koh, the RT was introduced 36 years ago first by the then second prime minister of Malaysia Tun Abdul Razak. At that time, the country was threaten by subversive elements and patrolling on the streets was made compulsory and went on till six in the morning to help police maintain the peace and security.

The compulsory patrolling was subsequently stopped in 1982 as normalcy returned and the country see no more threat.

“However the RT was re-introduced in 2004 this time not because of subversive threat but because of worrying increase in crime which threaten peace and stability.

“Since the grand re-launch of the RT in Penang in 2004 when I was the chief minister then, the number of SRS or voluntary patrolling schemes in Selangor has grown and I want to thank the RT in Selangor because it has seen a big jump in growth from 42 SRS in 2004 to 300 SRS this year, certainly a record achievement of a seven and a half times growth in numbers within a seven-year period.

 “The RT and its SRS are recognised as key components in the National Key Result Area (NKRA) program to maintain and raise safety aspect and reduce crime in the country.

“The SRS helps the police maintain peace and security in the neighbourhood through joint responsibility, people and police.”

Among those present at the launch were JPNIN director-general Dato’ Azman Amin bin Hassan, JPNIN Selangor director Tuan Haji Abdul Halim Bin Omar,  Subang Jaya OCPD ACP Zainal Rashid, Datuk Yap Pian Hon, Datuk Dr. Lim Thuang Seng, Datuk Samson Maman, Rukun Tetangga Rumah Pangsa Puchong Utama Court 2 chairman Babul Abbas and community leaders.

Also invited were children from selected orphanages and children homes and senior citizens who were given an early duit raya and goody bags in conjunction with the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Tuan Haji Abdul Halim Bin Omar said: “The Fly Jalur Gemilang’ campaign is aimed to create awareness and love among the residents and the people towards Merdeka which was achieved a long time ago. It is also to encourage the people to display their passion and patriotism for the country by flying the national flag.

“The Fly Jalur Gemilang programe launch and the breaking of fast is one way to strengthen the multi-racial relations even though the fasting is observed only by the Muslims but as a multi-racial country, the respect for each other from different religions on this festive occasion will strengthen bonds and build a harmonious society.”